WITH such noble origins, Celtic will always be more than a football club. We have a story to tell which is unique and one which will always endure.
 
The essence of the club will never change - a club open to all and here to help others within the wider community. This is our heritage and will be something which is with us forever. Through our charitable work, this heritage lives on.
 
Celtic Charity was established as a charitable trust in 1995 and has always been an integral part of Celtic Football Club, uniting the Celtic Family across the globe in collectively-held values and beliefs.
 
The primary focus has always been that of improving the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people all over the world. Since its inception, the charity has raised in excess of £5million for a host of worthy causes on a local, national and international basis.
 
The Celtic Foundation – a department of the football club - was established in 2006 to co-ordinate the club´s social, educational and community work under one umbrella. 
 
The Foundation works in association with a wide range of organisations providing activities for children, young people, adults and senior citizens using sport, health and education programmes to engage with the wider community.
 
As the social principles, key priorities, aims and objectives of Celtic Charity and the Celtic Foundation are so clearly aligned, it has been agreed that the natural progression is for both units to merge and become a new, stronger Scottish Charity with a wider role and greater reach. This new entity will be called Celtic FC Foundation. 
 
Tony Hamilton recently took up the position of CEO of Celtic FC Foundation and is currently driving the merger and restructure, with a focus on further strengthening our place within the community.
 
Celtic FC Foundation is now beginning to take shape and supporters will see this developing further over the coming months. Following the end of the formal merger period, we will officially launch the new charity.
 
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic’s origins are unique and it is very satisfying that 125 years after the club’s birth, our commitment to our community and charitable work remains so strong. 
 
"Indeed we are doing more now in this area than we have ever done in our history.
 
“Our social ethos defines us as a club. It is what we stand for and through this new structure we will be able to take our work to a new level and make a fundamental and positive difference to the lives of many more people.”
 
Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “The new structure will allow us to develop the good work of both functions in the coming years and Celtic FC Foundation will continue to be the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club.
 
“I am hugely excited about the challenges that lie ahead and I am looking forward to working closely with our supporters and external partners as we strive to make a difference locally, nationally and internationally – starting in this our 125th year.”
 
If you have any questions regarding this merger or want to help Celtic FC Foundation help others, please email 1254125@celticfc.co.uk